Peach tree &#34;Stanislaus&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree with the following unique combination of outstanding features that are desirable in a new variety. 
     1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 
     2. Fruit that maintains an excellent shape, texture and appearance after being canned. 
     3. Very firm non-melting flesh suitable for mechanical pitters for stone removal. 
     4. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality both fresh and canned. 
     5. Vigorous semi-upright growth. 
     6. Relatively uniform maturity of firm fruit throughout the tree. 
     7. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new present new variety of peach tree was originated by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. as a cross betweenCarolyn Peach (non-patented) and Loadel Peach (non-patented). A largegroup of these first generation seedlings were planted and grown undercareful observation by use, during which time we recognized its distinctand desirable tree and fruit characteristics described above andselected the variety for reproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of peach tree wasperformed by budding in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif. and shows that all characteristics run true to the original treeand are established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree is of large size, vigorous,semi-upright in growth and a regular and productive bearer of large,non-melting, yellow flesh clingstone fruit. The fruit is furthercharacterized by having very firm flesh, ripening relatively uniformthroughout the tree, having good handling and shipping quality, andmaintaining an excellent shape, texture and appearance after beingcanned. In comparison to its pollen parent Loadel Peach (non-patented),the tree is more vigorous, has heavier production, larger size fruit,firmer non-melting flesh and is 7 to 8 days later in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying photographic illustrations show typical specimens ofthe foliage and fruit of our new and distinct peach variety. The upperand lower surface of the leaves being illustrated with an exterior andsectional view of the fruit being displayed with the stone remaining inplace. The illustrations were taken shortly after being picked atmaturity (firm ripe) and the colors are as nearly true as reasonablypossible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new anddistinct variety of peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as basedon observations of specimens grown in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (except those in commonterms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H.Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Semi-upright, normally pruned to vase shape.

Production.--Productive.

Bearer.--Regular.

Density.--Medium dense.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to stocky.

Texture.--Medium shaggy.

color.--Grayish brown to brown (6-E-3) to (6-E-5).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Medium number. Medium to large size.

Color.--Brown to dull brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 61/4". Average width -- 11/2".

Form.--Lanceolate. Acutely pointed.

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Crenate.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness.

Gland.--Globose. Medium size. Number varies from 1 to 3. Average number2. Positioned on upper portion of petiole and at the base of the leafblade, usually alternate.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (27-F-4) to (27-F-8). Lowersurface -- grayish green to green (26-E-4) to (26-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Form.--Plump.

Pubescence.--Pubescent.

Flowers:

Size.--Small -- non-showy.

Blooming period.--Mar. 1, 1992 to Mar. 8, 1992. Varies slightly withclimatic conditions.

Pollen.--Present.

Color.--Pink -- fades to light pink at petal fall.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--Jul. 10, 1992.

Date of last picking.--Jul. 14, 1992.

Size.--Large. Average diameter axially -- 27/8" to 31/8". Averagetransversely in suture plane -- 27/8" to 31/8.

Suture.--Shallows, distinct, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Slightly lipped at suture line.

Form.--Nearly globose, slightly flattened at stem end.

Base.--Retuse.

Cavity.--Rounded, slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth --5/8". Average breath -- 1".

Apex.--Usually rounded, varies from slight pistil point to slightdepression.

Flesh:

Texture.--Very firm, non-melting.

Ripens.--Even.

Juice.--Light to moderate.

Flavor.--good.

Eating quality.--Good.

Aroma.--Light.

Color.--Yellow to butter yellow -- (3-A-6) to (4-A-5).

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Moderate.

Color.--Light yellow ground color -- (3-A-5) to (4-A-4) very slight redblush (9-A-5) to (9-A-6).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Large. Average length -- 11/2'. Average breadth -- 11/4". Averagethickness -- 5/8".

Form.--Oval.

Base.--Varies from round to straight.

Apex.--Varies from round to slight point.

Surface.--Irregularly furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base.

Tendency to split.--Very slight.

Color.--Light brown to reddish brown (8-D-7) to (9-D-7).

Use: Canned.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

pg,7

The new and distinct peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit hereindescribed may vary in slight detail due to climatic, soil conditions andcultural practices under which the variety may be grown, the presentdescription is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditionsprevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous,semi-upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of large,non-melting, very firm, yellow flesh clingstone fruit which after beingcanned maintains an excellent shape, texture and appearance with goodflavor and eating quality; the tree is further characterized incomparison to the Loadel peach (non-patented) by being more vigorous,larger in size and producing larger, firmer fruit which areapproximately 7 to 8 days later in maturity.